Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 2, 2001

Jackson is ranked ninth in the WNBA in points per game and nineteenth in rebounds per game. (Allsport)

Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson chatted about being the No. 1 draft pick, playing in the WNBA and her team's progress.

Despite being a rookie, Jackson is making her presence known around the league. She is ranked in the top-20 in six categories. She is Seattle's leading scorer (15.6) and rebounder (6.0). She is ranked third in the league in blocked shots per game (2.08) and fourteenth in steals per game (1.75).

The twenty year old Jackson is no stranger to tough competition. She was the leading scorer and rebounder on the Australian national team that came in second at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Lauren Jackson: Hello everyone I'm happy to be here. Hope I can answer all your questions!

Question: Lauren, what was it like being the #1 pick overall in this year's draft?

Lauren Jackson: It was pretty exciting. Especially with all the hoo haa of the draft. But now that I'm playing, I don't really think about it at all..."

Question: Was the WNBA all you expected it to be?

Lauren Jackson: Yes it was. It's really challenging, but it's fun. I knew it was going to be like that.

Question: When did you know that basketball was going to play such an important part in your life?

Lauren Jackson: When I was about 7... my parents both represented Australia.. And I had a lot of push from them.. But I always wanted to play!

Question: What was your Olympic experience like? What was the highlight of the Olympics for you?

Lauren Jackson: Getting the silver medal When it was over I was really happy... The best part was finishing the last game because it was a long haul. But I was really happy

Question: Obviously you had tremendous talent coming into the league but is there anything you feel you've really improved on since you've been with the Storm? Is there anything you still feel you need to work on?

Lauren Jackson: There's a lot of stuff I need to work on... Dealing with the physicality of the game is something that I'm working on... and that I still need to improve on.

Question: You are probably one of the youngest players in the WNBA, but there is A LOT expected of you. How do you handle it all?

Lauren Jackson: I try to keep away from the media and mind what I'm doing. Not read my own press... I try to act my age and not be anybody different.

Question: Lauren do you have any superstitions that you perform prior to each game?

Lauren Jackson: No I don't have any superstitions at all... I know a lot of Americans do, but I just don't.

Question: What's been the biggest adjustment you've had to make living in Seattle? What do you miss most about home?

Lauren Jackson: I miss my family and friends... I'm in anew country... a long way from home" I want to be with my friends... that's the biggest thing.

Question: Who have you become closest to on the team?

Lauren Jackson: I've got some pretty good friends... I really like everyone I've got a great bunch of team mates.

Question: Do you think you'll live in the US in the off-season or head back to Australia?

Lauren Jackson: I will definitely go back to Australia.. Like the day after the season finishes, I'll head back

Question: What do you like to do in your spare time Lauren?

Lauren Jackson: I do a lot of studying... business management...

Question: How have you got along with coach Lin Dunn? What are some of the things she has taught you already?

Lauren Jackson: She's great fun... with a great personality As far as the game, I'm just playing my own game... but I think she's a great coach all around...

Question: Seattle seems to be having a .500 year. What do you think your team needs to do to get over the 50-50 hump?

Lauren Jackson: We just have to raise each other's games. We have a lot of talented players, and if we can get that team chemistry going, it will be a big help

Question: Do you feel that the team is really starting to find it's chemistry and will be a force the rest of the season?

Lauren Jackson: Yes... right now we seem to be up and down... but we'll come together more as the season goes along...

Question: How has tv coverage hurt the games rules?

Lauren Jackson: The TV coverage is all part of the game... what can you do? It's part of the job.

Question: What does the Storm need to do to make the playoffs this season?

Lauren Jackson: I think we need to get together ...if we learn each other's games and learn to play with each other well, that will help us make the playoffs.

Lauren Jackson: I have to run... but thanks to everyone for coming. Hope you're pulling for the Storm! Maybe we can do this again sometime!